Contrary to Henry’s expectations, Thomas Becket underwent a profound transformation after becoming Archbishop. He shifted his loyalty from the king to the church, taking his spiritual duties seriously and defending the autonomy of the church. Becket began to oppose Henry’s attempts to curb ecclesiastical privileges and limit the church’s lega

Thomas Becket, also known as Saint Thomas of Canterbury, remains one of the most iconic figures in medieval English history. His dramatic conflict with King Henry II, leading to his martyrdom, not only shaped church-state relations in medieval England but also left a lasting legacy that echoes through religious and political history. Early Life an

Angela lived during a time of significant religious ferment in Italy and Europe more broadly. The 13th and early 14th centuries saw the rise of new religious movements, including the mendicant orders like the Franciscans and Dominicans, which emphasized poverty, preaching, and lay spirituality. Her personal story reflects broader trends in medie

Angela of Foligno is best known for her profound mystical experiences, which she documented in a series of writings known as The Book of Visions and Instructions (Liber Visionum et Instructionum). These texts provide an intimate and detailed account of her spiritual journey, marked by visionary encounters, intense suffering, and moments of ecstatic